Waking up with the chilly morning breeze on his face. Mitchell rose from bed and yawned. The fresh air from outside of the quarters woke his senses. After he fixed his bed neatly, he went to the bathroom.

After doing business in the bathroom, brushing his teeth and taking a shower, he changed to his clothes and went outside. Mitchell noticed he woke up late. Mitchell noticed that he was still not included in the mercenary corps yet, despite Major Galahad informing him.

It was why he was not included in the military regimen and training. They had a talk with Major Galahad the other day about Mitchell’s pay, his job, and responsibilities. He was to work in the legion but as a civilian personnel.

Mitchell looked at the tower and saw the time was 0730 hours. The mercenaries should be done with their early morning exercise. Looking for something to do, Mitchell went to the kitchen.

The smell of fragrant spices and condiments, cooked with meat and other ingredients, overcame Mitchell’s senses. His stomach grumbled with hunger as he closed in. Opening the door at the back of the kitchen, he saw it was busy from the inside.

“Oi! Why is this new one late?” The second in line chef asked the in-charge of the line cooks.

“What? I didn’t expect any new ones?” The in-charge looked at Mitchell and then said, “Wear this, boy!”

Mitchell caught the black apron that was thrown at him. Seeing this, Mitchell immediately wore the apron that covered his chest to the upper part of his shin over his khaki clothes. He was delighted to see that he could assist the cooks.

At 0800 hours, Mitchell removed his apron and handed it over to the in-charge of the line cooks. Seeing this, the in-charge asked him, “You done for the day?”

“No, I just want to eat breakfast!” Mitchell replied.

“Please, Mr. Mitchell… sit at the table near the door. I will prepare the food for you.” The in-charge said.

“You don’t have to. I will…” Before Mitchell could continue the in-charge insisted.

“No… it’s our fault. We should have not made you do kitchen work. The Major would be mad that we were taking advantage of you.”

Mitchell accepted and replied, “If you say so…”

Mitchell went to the table near the door and sat on the seat to the farthest left. After he sat down, Major Galahad entered from the door. The two bodyguards that were with him the other day were following him.

Looking around, Major Galahad saw Mitchell and proceeded to the pantry and went in line with the rest of the mercenaries who were lining for their meals. One of the line cooks delivered Mitchell’s food. It was a brown-haired short woman.

“Thanks!” Mitchell said after the food was placed on his table.

“No problem, Mr. Mitchell… That is for the help you did earlier!” The woman in a chef’s uniform said and left.

After their talk, Major Galahad, with his plate, asked Mitchell, “Can we sit here?”

Mitchell invited them and replied, “Please, Major… You can sit here.”

The major and his two bodyguards sat in front of the round table where Mitchell was eating. While Mitchell was enjoying his meal, Major Galahad said, “I heard from the kitchen boys that you gave them a lift. That was very thoughtful of you.”

“I like cooking, sir!” Mitchell replied to him.

“I see…” Major Galahad was silent at the moment and spoke. “You can come by to the kitchen anytime you want. Actually, I do not have much control over you since you are a civilian personnel. I guess my superiors haven’t given you a real assignment yet.”

“Anywhere you’d like to assign me, sir! I am capable,” Mitchell confidently said.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“I would like to add you to my ranks of mercenaries. However, I don’t believe your level of fitness is up to the standards. Rather, you will be put into the Special Group. I would recommend you to my superiors about your new assignment!” Major Galahad explained.

Mitchell kept his silence but felt excited about Major Galahad’s offer, considering the potential assignment to special missions and the possibility of better rewards compared to those of the guild. Major Galahad, who was assessing of Mitchell, however, was not so impressed about him. To him, Mitchell is just a civilian who was not up to par with being a soldier or a mercenary, hardened to see the dangers of war.

“By the way, Mitchel!” Major Galahad said and continued, “I would like to warn you not to tell anyone about your ability. As a civilian aide for the hospital or the medical group, I cannot risk exposing you. A special case.”

Hearing this, Mitchel was surprised and asked, “What about it? Sir?”

“I am trying to create a paranormal division within the ranks of the Legion. This is because of the occurrence of these Phantasm possessions. Major Galahad explained his intentions, stating, “I believe your ability, ‘pure flame,’ could help me achieve that dream.”

“I see…” Mitchell didn’t seem to feel happy about what he heard.

“Did I say something wrong, Mitchell?” Major Galahad asked Mitchell, seeing his reaction.

“No… it’s nothing, sir!” Mitchell tried to cover up his earlier demeanor with a smile.

“Good, I hope we can make this one a reality and know the truth behind this phenomenon!” Major Galahad stood up and shook Mitchell’s hand.

After their breakfast, Mitchell and Major Galahad went on their separate ways. Major Galahad went inside his office for a meeting while Mitchell went to the training grounds to observe the mercenaries in training. The pay was greater than being just a guild member, which was fine. However, he was concerned about the special paranormal group which Major Galahad wanted him to join.

The fight that Mitchell had with the beast suddenly flashed in his mind. His hands suddenly shook, cold sweat formed on his forehead. Mitchell covered his face with his hands.

“I hate… beasts. I wish not to encounter them again!” Mitchell said in his mind.

Mitchell was struggling with his fear and coping with his trauma. He was still shaking in his seat when somebody saw him.

“Oi, if it isn’t the new guy!”

Mitchell suddenly looked at the guy that had called his attention. He was a tall man, in a blue uniform almost the same as Major Galahad’s, but with lesser detail and medals.

“You are?” Mitchell asked the officer that called his attention.

“Call me Gary Towers!” The golden-haired officer said to him.

“Mitchell Saunders, a civilian employee…” Mitchell replied.

“Galahad sure has his humor! Calling you a civilian employee, don’t worry, your job and description would change soon. Don’t let that guy bully you to submission,” Gary said to him.

“T-thanks, I guess…” Mitchell replied again.

“No, I was just kidding about Galahad. He’s a nice person!” Gary said and continued, “I hear about someone to be moved to the new department. Major Galahad had wanted to form the new group.”

“Really?” Mitchell asked.

“Yeah, the phantasm phenomenon has caused a lot of damage recently. At least here in the legion, we could use some help. Anything we could find should do!” Gary enthusiastically said.

“I see…” Mitchell replied.

“Don’t be so gloom there! C’mon, I hear that you always spend your time alone. Drinks on me if you beat me on a race.” Gary challenged Mitchell.

“But I thought that drinks aren’t allowed...” Mitchell asked, but Gary interrupted him.

“No guts, no glory!” Gary teased Mitchell.

Hearing this, Mitchell stood up and replied, “Bring it on!”

Meanwhile, at Major Galahad’s office. Lt. General Hemmingway and General Ernst left. Major Galahad’s face showed disappointment. His proposal was not approved, and the provision for his division was also reduced.

Looking outside from his window, Major Galahad could only sigh. He may just overestimate himself. Thinking of his plan and project even though show benefit to his employees and the legion itself. It may be that his plan may be too costly or was not on the right time.

Major Galahad returned to his table and looked to study his documents. He grabbed one on his table. The document reads about a request from a region, somewhere in the Doman Region.

The letter reads:

Request for Assistance with Recent Anomalies and Incidents

Dear Esteemed Officer,

We are reaching out to seek help in dealing with a series of unexplained anomalies and incidents that have been causing terror in our region. Villagers have reported sightings of undead, unholy, and possessed beasts, which are unsettling and disrupting our daily lives.

Our local government has been unable to effectively address this unknown situation, as it is believed to involve otherworldly beings. Therefore, we are urgently seeking assistance from individuals who possess the expertise to deal with such extraordinary circumstances.

We sincerely hope that you would consider lending your support to our community during these challenging times.

Respectfully,

Adrian James

Mayor of Townsfield

With the disapproval of the formation of a new department under him, Major Galahad was about to throw away the document. However, something came to him which would make his proposal a reality. He knew that he may use it, the incident to prove to his superiors that a paranormal department was necessary.

He decided to write a reply to the letter that he saw. Preparing a document to his supervisors, he knew in his mind that the “Paranormal department” will become a necessity for his future plans.